FAREWELL TO 'WELSH CHRIS' by Victoria Corbett

FRIENDS and family gathered to say goodbye to a popular carpenter who was killed in a car accident outside his local pub.

The funeral of Christopher Harris, who friends knew as Welsh Chris, took place last Wednesday at Easthampstead Crematorium.

Mr Harris was struck by a car in Cross Street on Saturday, February 4, after leaving The Ship Inn briefly to buy an Irish Lottery ticket. He died at the scene at around 6pm.

His partner Glenda Thrift had been with him that afternoon watching the England v Wales rugby match in the pub.

His sudden death at 47 years old shocked many staff and customers at The Ship Inn and

The Metropolitan pub where he socialised.

The funeral procession slowed as it passed The Ship Inn in Peach Street where publicans stood outside as a mark of respect to Mr Harris.

A Welsh flag and red and white flower arrangement were placed on the coffin in tribute to his nationality.

More than 100 well-wishers, packed into the chapel to remember him, heard how Mr Harris took great pride in his work as a carpenter and enjoyed following Welsh rugby.

Gary Malone, owner of R Aubrey Mills and Sons funeral parlour, conducted the service. In his tribute to Mr Harris he said: “Christopher loved his trade and applied himself enthusiastically to it all his life.”

Mr Harris grew up in Cardiff where he formed a band called Special Forces with his brother and a friend.

He moved to Heron’s Way in Wokingham after meeting Miss Thrift, his partner of 11 years.

Mr Malone said: “We are remembering a man in the prime of his life, a very popular man at that, especially to those who got to know him at The Ship Inn in Wokingham.”

Some of Mr Harris’ favourite popular songs, including Westlife You Raise Me Up, were played to the congregation.

Miss Thrift picked the songs to help friends and family conjure their most recent memories of Mr Harris.

Mr Malone also read a poem by Dorothy Parker called But Not Forgotten. The opening words read: “I think no matter where you stray, that I shall go with you a way.”

The names of Mr Harris’ close friends and family who were particularly affected by his death were read out.

These included his mum Joyce, stepdad Jerry and business partner Barry O’Donovan.